The best Steam Deck dock can transform your handheld into a hybrid gaming PC. Valve’s official docking station isn’t the only option, and we’ve tried and tested an array of portable and cheap docks that come with everything you need to hook up a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
A dock is one of the best Steam Deck accessories you can buy for the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, as it gives you more ways and places to experience your handheld. It’ll let you play the best Steam Deck games on a big-screen TV, or play while charging inside the best Steam Deck cases. Whether you’re looking for a desktop replacement, a console alternative, or want a way to charge your device in style, scroll down to find the best Steam Deck dock for you.
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Best Steam Deck docks in 2024:
Best Steam Deck dock overall
JSAUX Steam Deck Dock specifications:
USB ports |
2 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Great valve
- 4K 60fps
- 100W Power Delivery
Reasons to avoid
- Would benefit from extra USB ports
- Questionable Ethernet placement
Few Deck docks cradle Valve’s baby gaming PC, which is where JSAUX’s flattering imitation of the official version shines. Its solid metal construction and gunmetal finish help provide a premium feel, and it’ll blend in perfectly with minimalist desk setups.
Equipped with HDMI, two USB A ports, and Ethernet, the JSAUX dock makes transforming the handheld into a gaming PC easy. 100W power delivery also means keeping the portable powerhouse charged while providing your gaming keyboard and external SSD with juice.
Valve’s Steam Deck dock may wield more ports and higher specs, but we are quite impressed with the company getting its foot in the door ahead of Valve – not to mention it commands a much lower asking price.
If you need something that’s on par with the real deal and still costs less, you could opt instead for JSAUX’s HB0702 model. There’s even a bundle that includes a 45W power adapter, and it’s still cheaper than the official docking station.
Read our JSAUX Steam Deck dock review.
Best dock for wide handheld PCs
UGREEN Steam Deck Dock specifications:
USB ports |
USB-A x 2, USB-C x 1 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI port |
1 |
Ethernet |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Works with other handheld PCs too
- Handy USB-C connection.
- Wide cradle
Reasons to avoid
- Obstructs Steam Deck vent
- Pricey
Specs-wise, there’s not a lot that sets the UGREEN Steam Deck Dock apart from the likes of the JSAUX Steam Deck Dock – but there is one very important distinction. Its cradle is quite a lot bigger, which means that the Steam Deck fits in more easily – this is good news for anyone who keeps their Deck in a protective case because now you won’t need to take it off when you need to dock.
Notably, this dock also works for the Asus ROG Ally – I know we’re talking about Steam Deck docks here, but I’m sure some readers will have the Asus ROG Ally, or have thought about getting it in future. Our reviewer was certainly pleased with the addition.
Speaking of pleasing additions, this dock features a convenient USB-C port. These aren’t standard to all docks, so if you’ve got any peripherals that use that type of plug, then the addition of this port will save you from having to buy an adapter.
Our only real problem with this dock stems from the fact that the back support partially obstructs the vent on the back of Steam Decks. It’s only a partial obstruction for sure, it’s not going to suffocate, but it is going to hinder its cooling capabilities. If you like to push your Steam Deck to its limits, that is something that you’re going to have to be very conscious of, but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most players.
We think that the benefits of this dock far outweigh the negatives. Its versatility and port selection make it easy to justify its slightly higher price tag.
Anker USB-C Hub
Best cheap Steam Deck dock
Anker USB-C Hub specifications:
USB ports |
3 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet |
No |
Reasons to buy
- Three USB ports
- 100W power delivery
Reasons to avoid
- Design hinders cable management
- No Ethernet
Anker’s USB-C Hub is cheap, but it holds up against the top Steam Deck docks on the market. This option crams two USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, and an SD card slot into a wallet-sized device, and it even includes Power Delivery 3.0 support.
Sadly, the Anker USB-C hub lacks Ethernet, so you’ll have to make do with Steam Deck Wi-Fi. Not exactly a deal breaker, but if you rely on wires to get online, you may have to come up with a workaround.
Despite its size, Anker’s ant-sized solution boasts power delivery, and it’ll provide 100W to connected devices. Just like Jsuax’s dock, you’ll have to either use the power adapter included with the Deck or buy another, providing you don’t already have one stowed away.
Valve’s official version costs a lot more than this cheap and cheerful alternative, and Anker’s hub will play nice with other USB-C devices. That said, its dongle design might bother enthusiasts who prioritize desk cable management, especially since its short USB-C cables make it harder to tuck away out of sight.
JSAUX M.2 Steam Deck dock specifications:
USB ports |
2 |
Power Delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Pricey compared to basic model
- Gigabit Ethernet
- Impressive SSD abilities
Reasons to avoid
- Ethernet port is still on the side
- SSD support isn’t plug-and-play
The JSAUX M.2 dock is a souped-up version of the company’s original accessory, as it boasts built-in NVMe SSD support. While you’ll need to pay substantially more for the new dock’s solid-state superpowers, this heavy hitter hub only costs $40 USB more than the official Valve version.
Sure, you could just either buy the best Steam Deck SD card or pair the portable one with an external drive, but JSAUX’s all-in-one solution helps the handheld feel like a proper desktop PC. Being able to access up to 4TB of storage by simply plugging in the dock is an undeniable boon, and it’ll save you from endlessly deleting and redownloading Steam games.
Of course, the JSAUX isn’t just the best external SSD contender, as it provides the portable with 4K HDMI output, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, and two USB ports. Admittedly, an extra USB port would go a long way, but that’s forgivable this time around given the dock’s built-in SSD slot.
The JSAUX M.2 dock won’t be to everyone’s tastes, especially if you’re just looking to hook up to the best gaming monitor. However, if you’re looking to transform the Steam Deck into a cheap gaming PC, this SSD docking station should do the trick.
Read our JSAUX M.2 Steam Deck dock review.
Best curved Steam Deck dock
Syntech 6-in-1 docking station specifications:
USB ports |
3 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C 3.0 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI port |
1 |
Ethernet |
Gigabit Ethernet |
Reasons to buy
- Compact curved designed
- Reasonably priced
Reasons to avoid
- Some ports can be harder to access
- Slightly blocks the Steam Deck fan intake
Need a curved Steam Deck dock to fit into a little nook in your gaming space? Look no further than the Synthtech 6-in-1 Steam Deck Docking Station. An option that is as compact and portable as it is affordable.
While it’ll no doubt be the best choice for several setups, the curved design can be a slightly double-edged sword. What we mean is that because the ports are on the curved side, some of them are easier to access than they would be on a rectangular counterpart, but also some of them are slightly more awkward to access.
It also partially obstructs the Steam Deck’s fan intake, but aside from that, there’s very little to critique. It has a lot of ports, which makes us happy, and essentially does all the same things as the official Steam Deck dock, and all at about half the price. It’s hard to say no to that.
Read our Syntech 6-in-1 Steam Deck docking station review.
Best official Steam Deck dock
Valve Steam Deck Docking Station specifications:
USB ports |
3 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Designed with Steam Deck in mind
- Better specs than alternatives
- SteamOS firmware updates
The Valve Steam Deck Docking Station is one of the priciest docks we’ve tried, but it’s got more going for it than you’d think. If you’re not a fan of third-party solutions, the official accessory will deliver in terms of quality and functionality, and it feels like a perfect premium fit for the portable.
Unlike other options out there, the Valve Steam Deck dock is made of the same high-quality plastic as the handheld PC itself. It also cradles the baby PC with love, as subtle design elements like its lip sit flush against the portable’s base. That’s not to say other docks by the likes of JSAUX fail in this regard, but we’d argue that the official docking station feels tailor-made for Valve’s device.
In addition, you’ll be able to easily update the official docking station’s firmware using SteamOS, rather than having to connect it to a Windows PC. That boon alone makes the dock feel more like a natural extension of the handheld, something that ultimately helps it feel more like a hybrid on par with the Nintendo Switch.
If you’re hung up about the dock’s high price, it’s worth noting that the package includes an additional USB-C charger. While there’s a Jsuax model that offers a similar setup for a bit less, the extra power adapter will save you from disconnecting wires when you want to go adventuring with your Deck.
Read our Valve Steam Deck docking Station review.
Bases 6-in-1 Steam Deck Dock
Best for docking with a case
Bases 6-in-1 Steam Deck Dock specifications:
USB ports |
3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 x HDMI 2.0 |
Ethernet |
1000MBps |
Reasons to buy
- Highly adjustable cradle
- Well-made
Reasons to avoid
- No front USB port
- Hard to find in the UK
If you’re someone who likes to mix it up and play on-the-go as well as docked, the Baseus 6-in-1 Steam Deck Dock has an adjustable cradle that makes it possible to dock your Steam Deck even when it’s in a case or protector. This saves the frustrating task of disrobing your Steam Deck every time you want to play it on a monitor.
In addition to that, its adjustability means that it hasn’t just been made to fit the Steam Deck, and you can just as easily dock something like the Asus ROG Alley too. Though you probably don’t have both, it means that you could share a dock with any ROG Ally owners in your home, or that you could continue to use the same dock if you ever switched in future.
On top of that, the port selection is good (even if we do wish it had a USB port on the front) and its aesthetics are pretty swish too. It’s a well-made product with a high build quality. It’s likely to last you a long time, and the adjustability futureproofs it for any future handheld gaming PCs of different dimensions that you might get your hands on.
It’s not that easy to find in the UK, so readers in that region may have to opt for another choice. Meanwhile, there are definitely cheaper options out there, but it performs very well (you can play in 4k at 60fps if you want), and the adjustable cradle gives it a solid edge over many other contenders.
Belkin USB-C Hub
Best versatile Steam Deck dock
Belkin USB-C Hub specifications:
USB ports |
3 |
Power delivery |
100W |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet ports |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Nice wedge shape to place Deck
- Expansive IO
Reasons to avoid
- Quite large
- Built with laptops in mind
Belkin’s USB-C Hub is built with laptops in mind, but its wedge-shaped design could cater to Steam Deck desk setups. Placing the handheld on the dock’s rubberized surface simulates the look of an official product while somewhat concealing any connected cables.
Speaking of connectivity, Belkin’s angular dock features an impressive array of ports, including three USB-A connections, HDMI, Displayport 1.2, and support for both MicroSD and full-sized SD cards.
You could argue that while Belkin’s bruiser of a hub caters more to laptops, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, you might want to invest in the best gaming laptop down the line and integrate it with your desktop setup.
Admittedly, if you’re just looking to enjoy some Steam Deck games at your desk, this hub is overkill, but it could still help you squeeze every drop of functionality out of your new handheld PC.
Invzi Docking Station
Best discrete Steam Deck dock
Invzi Docking Station specifications:
USB ports |
3 |
Power delivery |
100W x 2, 30W x 1 |
HDMI ports |
1 |
Ethernet |
Yes |
Reasons to buy
- Conceals cables away from desk
- Extra USB-C power delivery ports
Reasons to avoid
- Need to be plugged into an outlet
- Expensive
Docking stations usually sit proudly on top of your workspace, and they traditionally cradle your connected device. However, the Invzi Docking Station deliberately stays away from your desk setup by plugging straight into a wall power socket.
Aesthetically, this hub looks almost like a big phone charger, but it’s equipped with HDMI, Ethernet, and three power delivery USB-C ports. Again, keeping the dock away from your desk will ultimately help you manage cables, especially if you’ve already got a rig living on your surface.
Invzi’s Steam Deck compatible dock plug thing only comes with one USB A port, so you’ll need to use an additional hub if you want to hook up your keyboard and mouse. While this would usually hamper desk cable management, the fact that this device is effectively a wall plug means you can confine it to the realm under your desk, something that should prevent any spaghetti monsters from reaching your surface.
How to chose the best Steam Deck dock
Feeling daunted by all the options? Here are some key factors to keep in mind to help you make a decision:
- Pricing: You could go all-out and get an expensive option, like the official dock from Valve. However, while that might give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve got a well-optimized bit of hardware that will always be compatible, it’s not going to be such a good choice for anyone on a tighter budget. Many of the cheaper options can do everything the official dock can do, so we included a few reliable budget options too.
- Ports: Got lots of accessories that you want to have plugged in while you have your Steam Deck docked? Look out for the number of ports. We’ve used three as a kind of middle-of-the-road benchmark here (though we’ve included a couple with two) and while you can find options with even more, we don’t think many people are going to need more than four.
- Portability: Do you travel around a lot and like to dock your Deck wherever you go? If so, you’ll want a small, compact dock that can easily fit inside your bag. Meanwhile, those with a fairly small gaming space will want to ensure that they get something compact that won’t clutter it too much. We’ve tried to include a nice selection of small but powerful docks here.
- Compatibility: Obviously, Valve knows the Steam Deck better than any other manufacturer. While there are many third-party docks out there on the internet, some of them might have issues with Steam Decks not fitting in properly, blocking cooling vents, and so forth. We’ve not included anything with any severe compatibility options, and we advise you to research thoroughly before considering any third-party options not on this list. They are cheaper, but if you’re not careful, they’ll come with a different kind of cost.
Any more unanswered questions? Read the FAQs below:
Can you dock the Steam Deck like a Nintendo Switch?
Yes, you can dock the Steam Deck, and compatible accessories work a lot like the Nintendo Switch docking station. However, rather than using a connector at the bottom of a cradle, Steam Deck docks feature a built-in USB C cable that provides the handheld with power and arms it with HDMI output and USB connectivity.
Does a Steam Deck dock improve performance?
No, using a docking station won’t improve Steam Deck performance, as it only provides power, video output, and USB connectivity. You could struggle to boost fps when using a monitor or a TV, as external displays will use a higher resolution than the handheld’s built-in screen.
Do third-party Steam Deck docks work?
Absolutely. If they didn’t, this would have been a pretty short list! Indeed, there are several third-party choices that have features not seen in the Valve model. Don’t get us wrong, the official model is fantastic, but we know there are people that will be better off with other options.
Not bought your Steam Deck yet? Read our Steam Deck prices guide for information on where to get one at the cheapest price. Our guide on the best microSD card for Steam Deck will also be worth reading if you want to make sure you’ve got enough storage space.